The New Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is Now Open in Carlsbad CA

Although the landscape remains somewhat incomplete (based on a recent drive-by), the new Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa opened in June 2012. Vacant land for years in front of homes along the Coast Road (historic Route 101, a.k.a. Carlsbad Boulevard) has been transformed into an expansive 3-story vacation resort.

The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is supposedly one of the few new hotels built west of the Mississippi. And it certainly is making an impact here in Carlsbad’s oceanfront landscape.

The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa offers ocean views (across the 4-lane coast road), 25,000 SF of meeting room space, Chandler’s Restaurant (I’ll be sure to check it out to see how top notch it is - see photo below), the Ocean Crest Spa, a fitness center, pool, children’s splash pool and fire-pit, and ocean-view rooms.

The $80 million 215-room Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa provides jobs, increased tax revenue for the City of Carlsbad, and amenities for nearby residents and visitors to enjoy within walking distance. I expect it will be a popular destination spot along the North San Diego coastline.

Despite the amenities, and all the due diligence since plans have been in the works for years to develop the Ponto Beach area (the Ponto Beachfront Village Vision Plan was approved by the City of Carlsbad in 2007 – visit this link to see the full plan), I’m not surprised that all is not well with the residents of the adjacent communities, especially the Hanover Beach Colony.

Indeed, some residents feel the hotel is harming the neighborhood.

Some lost their views of open space and perhaps, in some cases, the ocean, and had them replaced by a hotel… a huge visual change. Combine that with the expected noise of many more people and cars, increased artificial light, and a dramatic change in traffic (deliveries, hotel guests, employees), and you have the expectable complains and concerns about safety and loss of peace and quiet.

Chandler's Restaurant (seen from Coast Road)

While this was all discussed and shared with residents early on as a required part of the planning and approval phase, there’s something quite different about the reality of a new hotel in place and everything that goes along with it, versus an architectural rendering. Hopefully residents, the City of Carlsbad, and the hotel will continue to work together to address these issues.

The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort is doing its own part to support the area - $1 from each hotel room’s booking is contributed to the South Carlsbad Beach Endowment Fund to help with maintenance, upkeep and access to the beach. They also support the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort

1 Ponto Road (at Carlsbad Boulevard/Coast Road)

Carlsbad, CA